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Drew Brees has announced his retirement from the NFL after 20 seasons.
One of the most prolific careers in NFL history has come to an end, as New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees announced his retirement with the help of his children on Instagram on Sunday.
“This is not the end, but rather the beginning.” Now the real work of my life begins!”
“After 15 years with the Saints and 20 years in the NFL, our dad is finally going to retire.”
So he can devote more time to us! Yeah!!”
“After 20 years as an NFL player and 15 years as a Saint, it is time for me to retire from football.”
I poured my heart and soul into being your Quarterback every day.
I worked myself to the bone to give everything I had to the Saints organization, my team, and the great city of New Orleans.”
“We had some incredible moments together, many of which are etched in our hearts and minds and will always be a part of us.”
You have shaped me, strengthened me, inspired me, and provided me with memories to last a lifetime.
For the past 15 years, my goal has been to give you everything you’ve given to me and more.”
Finally, Brees assured his fans that this was not his final farewell.
“I’m only retiring from football; I’m not leaving New Orleans.”
This is not the end, but rather a new beginning. Now the real work of my life begins!”
Brees retired at the age of 42, having thrown for a league-record 80,358 yards and 571 touchdown passes in 20 seasons.
Brees defied the odds
Drew Brees began his career with the Chargers and spent the first few years of his career with them.
He didn’t appear to be one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time.
After Brees’ third season, the Chargers selected Rivers in the first round of the 2004 draft.
Brees benched Rivers for a couple of years. In 2004, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
With Brees set to be a free agent after the 2005 season, the Chargers were set to face a difficult decision, but Brees dislocated his right throwing shoulder in the season finale.
He tore his labrum and had a partial rotator cuff tear.
There were doubts about his ability to be an effective quarterback again.
The Miami Dolphins, led by Nick Saban, famously passed on signing him due to a shoulder injury.
Brees lived for another 15 years. The Saints will be eternally grateful.
When Brees signed with the Saints, the team had only one playoff victory in its history.
The Saints were considering relocating to San Antonio at the end of the 2005 season.
Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005, casting even more doubt on the franchise’s future.
Brees immediately immersed himself in the community and Katrina recovery efforts after signing.
On the field, Drew Brees was instrumental in saving the Saints in New Orleans.
When Brees arrived, the Saints began to win. In his second season with the Saints, he led them to the NFC championship game.
Then, during the 2009 season, the Saints franchise and public perception changed forever.
Brees brings a Super Bowl to New Orleans
Brees had a fantastic season in 2009, leading the Saints to a 13-3 record.
They defeated the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC championship game before defeating the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Brees was later named Super Bowl MVP.
Over the next decade, Brees put up some impressive numbers.
He had five seasons with 5,000 yards and held the single-season passing yardage record until Peyton Manning broke it in 2013.
Seven times, Brees led the NFL in passing.
He appeared in 13 Pro Bowls. He set career records for passing yards and touchdowns.
Late in his career, Brees led another Saints revival.
Over Brees’ final four seasons, the Saints were one of the best teams in the NFL, but they couldn’t return to the Super Bowl,
suffering some of the most heartbreaking losses in NFL playoff history along the way.
Brees played in his final game, a playoff loss to Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Brees threw three interceptions just a few weeks after breaking 11 ribs.
His final pass in the NFL was deflected and intercepted.
Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints waves to his family and fans after his final NFL game, a playoff loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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In response to Drew Brees’ retirement, New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton stated,
“Throughout his career, his consistency and dedication to excellence were unparalleled.”
“He was a fantastic leader on and off the field.”
His meticulous attention to detail and competitive spirit were contagious.
“It has been a privilege for all of us who have had the opportunity to coach him, and we are better for it.”
The NFL world reacts to Drew Brees’ retirement announcement.
After retiring, Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, and other celebrities showed their support for Brees.
